Didn't see this coming at all. I didn't think D/W would be ahead of V/M. After watching V/M though, while they may have skated technically well, I didn't get anything from them emotionally. It may be that I'm tired, watching it on YouTube, etc, but I didn't feel anything from them. Not too worried though. If Tessa and Scott skate their free dance like the did at SC, then Meryl and Charlie better watch out!

I would rather the placements stay the same if that's how the judges want to rule it, but the scores lower than have this panel of judges tell me that THAT skating by D/W and especially White, was a 65.80 performance. It wasn't. And on the pc's? V/M may have been slightly tired, but their unison and serious edge lean didn't really suffer. CW was a bit rough on the skate quality end but we're supposed to believe D/W exemplify the highest value of skating quality we've seen in years at this competition? From that performance they're the standard? That's just not true on the face of it from that skate. Unison mediocre (for this level of competition) and their edging was not superior. But suddenly they are what everyone needs to shoot for, not just scores, but basic skating. No way.

Your opinion, nevergonnadance. I found D/W's edging to be superior, the quality of their skating high, and their unison is wonderful. I don't why it's so hard for some fans to believe that D/W are a very good ice dance team and the judges like what they see...a lot. But then again, from what I know from skating forums, a lot of folks think they know much more than the judges. But it's all opinions, it's all a matter of personal preference and taste, aesthetic value, and assorted reasons for liking or disliking a skater.

I think D/W are the best ice team I've ever had the pleasure to enjoy but that's just my opinion, too!

Your opinion, nevergonnadance. I found D/W's edging to be superior, the quality of their skating high, and their unison is wonderful. I don't why it's so hard for some fans to believe that D/W are a very good ice dance team and the judges like what they see...a lot. But then again, from what I know from skating forums, a lot of folks think they know much more than the judges. But it's all opinions, it's all a matter of personal preference and taste, aesthetic value, and assorted reasons for liking or disliking a skater.

I think D/W are the best ice team I've ever had the pleasure to enjoy but that's just my opinion, too!

What I like about Davis / White is that they look so natural out there. They are not overly stylised, they seem to have serious fun, it's so flowing... With V/M I have the feeling that they are somehow trying too hard. As if they have this list of really high goals (be always elegant, be always classical, no crazy ideas, wear only elegant - for Moir manly - clothing etc.) and it makes their performances seem calculated, even their FD, that in my opinion is great - but would look so much better with some more emotional abandon in it. Maybe I am also negatively influenced by Moir's remarks from SC.

I simply prefer the two US-Americans, who seem fun, who seem to enjoy themselves out there, who seem quirky at times - even with their rather unimaginative FD.

But they are skating to a serious FLAMENCO, not a fun loving quirky routine like the Kerrs and Italians or anything with humour...so would it help to change that perception if they skated to something cheesy and cringeworthy even if the program sucks?

But can't you skate to something serious without making it look like you are currently trying to repaint the Mona Lisa? Flamenco is serious, but neither Pechalat/Bourzat's Flamenco a few years ago, nor Lambiel's Flamenco looked that serious. To me it sometimes look as if they try to do everything the right, the best way - and that the emotional impact suffers from that.

I'm so ecstatic to see Meryl and Charlie in 1st place after the OD . . . so well deserved! It doesn't quite make up for their being wuzrobbed of a World medal last season, but it certainly will be a very strong statement if they win this GPF heading into U.S. Nationals. How amazing it would be if they could upset Belbin/Agosto and establish themselves as the top American team going into the Olympics, which I already think they are, but it's nice that the judges are FINALLY starting to reward them. GO D/W!!!